ASK AN EXPERT: What preventative screenings are patients entitled to in Czechia?

Dr. Kateřina Šédová is an associate MD at Concierge Medicine as well as the founder of Loono, an organization of young medical students, doctors, and other professionals devoted to the prevention of oncological and cardiovascular diseases. The project recently released an app that sends users vital reminders about their health.

We asked Dr. Šédová to break down for us which preventative screenings are covered by insurance in the Czech Republic.

"There are three official screening programs in the Czech Republic [meaning screenings are covered under your insurance]: Cervical screenings (pap smear), colorectal screenings (colonoscopy), and breast cancer screening," she says.

All women after the age of 45, are entitled to breast cancer screening every two years, in special accredited screening centers. Šédová adds that your GP should give you the paperwork necessary to undergo these screenings. All women should undergo screening for cervical cancer once a year at their gynecologist’s office.

She also recommends a breast self-examination once a month after your period ends (for instructions from Loono see here).

All men and women should undergo a colonoscopy after the age of 50, then once again in ten years, in a special accredited screening center, by referral from their GP.

Undergoing a Fecal Occult Blood test (FOB) instead of a colonoscopy between the ages of 50-54 once a year and after 55 years of age every two years is also an option. However, it's not one Dr. Šédová recommends due to the test's questionable accuracy. 

For men, Dr. Šédová also recommends a testicle self-examination once a month (for instructions from Loono see here).

Dr. Šédová says that more screenings are being added to what is currently covered by insurance. "Lung cancer screening is currently being piloted in the Czech Republic, and prostate screenings are due to be added to the list of preventative screenings covered by insurance in 2023," she says.

If you are a smoker between the ages of 55-57, you can take part in the lung cancer screening pilot. Ask your general practitioner to send you to a pulmonologist, who will examine you and eventually do a CT scan. 

In addition to the screenings highlighted above, she also recommends that both men and women undergo screening for sexually transmitted diseases if they are sexually active as well as an annual examination of birthmarks (melanoma screening) with a dermatologist.

One benefit of joining Concierge Medicine is that recommended screenings are organized for the patient directly in the clinic or in partner institutions. Their preventative approach to medicine and holistic well-being means that screenings for members exceed the minimum recommended protocols.

This article was written in association with Concierge Medicine. Read more about our partner content policies here.